Jul 30, 2018

You've come to the right place if you are asking, "What is surrogacy?"

Surrogacy is a method of assisted reproduction that helps intended
parents (IPs) start families when they otherwise could not. Intended
parents pursue surrogacy for several reasons and come from different
backgrounds. All intended parents work with a gestational surrogate, a
woman who carries a child to term.

There are two types of surrogacy arrangements: gestational surrogacy and
traditional surrogacy. Circle Surrogacy only provides gestational
surrogacy arrangements, which means the gestational carrier has no
genetic connection to the child. Through in vitro fertilization (IVF),
embryos are created in a lab (sometimes with the use of an egg donor)
and are transferred into the surrogate mother’s uterus. In a traditional
surrogacy arrangement, a surrogate becomes pregnant with the use of her
own eggs.

Intended Parents and Surrogacy

Prospective parents interested in building a family through surrogacy
are encouraged to work with an agency to ensure a safe, legal, and
organized arrangement.

Here is a general overview of the steps in a surrogacy journey for intended parents.

Intended parents request a free consultation, which can be held via
Skype, telephone, or in person. A member of our staff will reach out to
the intended parents, asking them to fill out the parent questionnaire.
This form provides our team with the necessary information to devise a
specialized plan moving forward. If IPs decide to move forward and
officially sign on with Circle, the parent questionnaire then acts as
their parent profile and assists with the matching process for finding a
surrogate and egg donor. Click here to schedule a free consultation.

Upon joining our program, IPs are assigned a Program Coordinator
(PC) to act as a guide throughout their surrogacy journey. PCs help
prepare intended parents with their egg donor match and surrogate match.
They also facilitate communication between intended parents,
surrogates, and donors. PCs also coordinate with third-party agencies,
such as IVF clinics, travel agencies, and insurance companies.

With the help of our staff, intended parents, surrogates, and egg
donors are matched and agree to the terms of their journeys together.
All legal contracts are signed, typically around the time of the donor
and surrogate medical screenings.

Egg donors and/or surrogates complete their respective IVF cycles,
which may include an egg retrieval and/or transfer depending on the
nature of the situation. All procedures take place at the IVF clinic
chosen by the IPs, and all planning is in place to ensure that the IVF
goes smoothly and in line with the necessary period of time.

Our in-house legal team helps you establish parentage and complete
any necessary legal work. If you’re living outside the U.S., our lawyers
help you to acquire passports for your newborn to ensure a safe trip
home.

A new life is brought into this world, and a happy family takes its first steps toward a life together!

Has delivered a child of their own, and is currently parenting at least one child.
Has had uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries, as documented by medical records.
Is between 21-41 years of age.
Typically have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of no higher than 33. Calculate My BMI.
Is a citizen, legal resident or legal immigrant of the United
States. If a surrogate is a legal resident or legal immigrant of the
United States, the surrogate must be able to provide documentation that
is valid for at least 2 years.
Does not participate in the following government aid programs: cash
assistance, welfare, public housing and section 8. All other forms of
government assistance will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Live in a surrogate-friendly state in the United States (we are very
sorry but we cannot accept gestational carriers who reside in Nebraska,
Louisiana, Michigan and New York).
Has a valid driver’s license.
Has the support of her family. If married or partnered, the
surrogate must have her partner’s support. Also, the surrogate and her
partner/primary support person must agree to participate in a social
work screening.
Is financially secure.
Leads a stable, responsible lifestyle.
Is willing to travel for IVF process. Please note, often these trips include overnight stays.
Does not use illegal drugs, smoke cigarettes, or abuse alcohol.
https://www.geezgo.com/sps/32842